The Rainy Weather Not Affecting Voter Turnout in Frederick County, MD

15% to 16% voter turnout as of 11 a.m. Tuesday morning.

FREDERICK, MD.  (LG)    As polls opened across the country Tuesday, residents of Frederick County were contending with rainy conditions, but it did not affect voter turnout, at least for Peter.

“Well it’s a privilege to vote first of all, regardless of the weather.  I’m hoping for a little change for some of my political views.  So, I find it very important today to come out and do my civic duty for the United States,”  Peter said.   Peter did not want to disclose his party affiliation. ” But I hope there’s a little bit of change coming to our future, so I’m hoping today starts that,” he continued.

It was no surprise to Frederick County Elections Director Stuart Harvey that folks were showing up at the polls in this kind of weather.  “This was something that I actually expected.  We’ve had such interest in terms of voter registration, early voting and absentee requests, that I expected that the weather was not going to be an issue for people voting.  People are as interested in this mid-term more than any of term that I’ve worked on since 1990.”

As of 11:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, Harvey said there was a 15% to 16% voter turnout, not including early voting or absentee  ballots.

Maryland residents are casting ballots for candidates for local, state and federal offices.

The polls will close at 8 p.m.

By Loretta Gaines